A noisy neighbour has been fined and had his sound equipment confiscated for playing loud music at night.

The Rosebery Housing Association tenant was prosecuted recently for continuing to play the music, despite being served with a noise abatement notice.

He had been making the lives of his neighbours in Hollymoor Lane, Epsom, a misery.

Despite attempts by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council and the housing association to curb his behaviour, including at one stage supplying him with a pair of headphones for his use, he persisted with the behaviour.

The decision was made to remove his ‘noise making equipment’ from the property.

Supported by the evidence of the recordings and information from other Rosebery residents, the Council secured a warrant and, accompanied by Police and Rosebery neighbourhood officers, gained entry to the property to remove all noise making equipment including a hi-fi, speakers, surround sound systems, a digital radio and a football which was being used in communal hallways at night.

Five weeks later another equipment seizure was carried out at the same address as the tenant had obtained another stereo.

Following both seizures, the tenant was prosecuted by the Council and received a £200 fine plus the payment of Council’s costs.

The court also ruled that the ‘seized goods’ would remain in the possession of the Council.

Councillor Jean Smith, chair of the council’s environment committee said: “The Council receives in the region of 400 noise complaints a year and it is rare to have to take this form of extreme action. Nevertheless where an individual or organisation is causing nuisance, the Council will do its best to investigate, and in conjunction with our partners, pursue the offenders where necessary.”